Heroes Among Us - February 2007

February 2, 2007 - Marilyn Smith

The Heroes Among Us award is a program of the Boston Celtics, presented by the Mass State Lottery.

For the last sixteen years Marilyn has been a leading advocate for children who didn't have anyone else to speak for them. This single mother has worked for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and has served as a liaison and mentor for numerous foster parents.

What sets Marilyn apart is that she has taken the neediest children into her very own home. Marilyn has incredibly fostered over 70 children and has been recognized as the Massachusetts Foster Parent of the Year.

For her dedication to the neediest children, please join us in welcoming tonight's Hero Among Us, Marilyn Smith.

February 7, 2007 - Erik Weihenmayer

The Heroes Among Us award is a program of the Boston Celtics, presented by the Mass State Lottery.

As a boy, Erik developed a passion for rock-climbing at the Carroll School for the Blind near Boston. As an adult, Erik is the only blind person to have climbed the tallest peak on each of the seven continents. Erik also led a group of blind teens up Mount Everest, higher than any blind group has ever climbed.

Erik has authored two books, been the subject of three documentaries, is a trustee for the National Braille Press in Boston and has made countless speaking appearances. Erik is a tireless role model for blind and sighted people all over the world and his accomplishments remind us that nothing is impossible!

For his amazing bravery and inspiration to others, please join us in welcoming tonight's Hero Among Us, Erik Weihenmayer.

February 9, 2007 - Rob McCormick

The Heroes Among Us award is a program of the Boston Celtics, presented by the Mass State Lottery.

Rob, a former Navy Rescue Swimmer, was driving home from work when he saw a house engulfed in flames. He immediately stopped to see if anyone was in danger and spotted a teenager and his younger brother trapped upstairs. Rob spotted a ladder at the house next door, carried it over and climbed up to save the two boys that were still inside the house.

Without this good-Samaritan, the Bernado family may have faced tragedy that day.

For his courage and bravery, please welcome tonight's Hero Among Us, Rob McCormick.

February 14, 2007 - Cheryl Durant

The Heroes Among Us award is a program of the Boston Celtics, presented by the Mass State Lottery.

Cheryl is a parent liaison for foster families. She works to assist other families through the process of taking new children into their homes.

While many families are ambivalent to take in teenagers as foster children, Cheryl sets herself apart for her willingness to open her home to teenage girls who have no where else to turn. Over the past 20 years of being a foster mother, Cheryl has taken in more than 25 children and teenagers including three young women who live with her today!

February 28, 2007 - Jason Schappert

The Heroes Among Us award is a program of the Boston Celtics, presented by the Mass State Lottery.

Jason, a Bridgewater State College student, was doing a video project at Lakeville Pond when he spotted 2 ATV riders plunge through the thin ice. One of the riders was able to pull himself out, but Bob Hughes was struggling in the water far away from his friend as the weight from his clothes started to pull him under.

Thinking quickly, and without regard for his own safety, Jason went out across the ice and was able to pull Hughes from the freezing water. Bob Hughes words put it best stating that "Jason was sent from Heaven because I knew I was gone."